Mischievous motorists are happy to make a splash by deliberately soaking pedestrians in wet conditions, according to a survey.

As many as 39% of drivers admitted to laughing if they saw a splashed pedestrian, while 16% have splashed on purpose, the poll by the webuyanycar company found.

Of the 2,000 drivers questioned, 26% said they had soaked someone by accident, but 55% said they went out of their way to avoid puddles in the road to try to keep pedestrians soak-free.

Of those who had splashed pedestrians, 12% stopped to apologise but 17% did nothing and 16% laughed.

Drivers can be prosecuted under the 1988 Road Traffic Act in a section which covers selfish or aggressive behaviour on the road.

The poll showed that 44% believed splashing to be illegal, 23% thought it was not and 32% did not know.

A webuyanycar.com spokesman said: "There seems to be a clear split on people's sense of humour and while some people may find this amusing, driving through puddles is not only inconsiderate but can also be dangerous.